Former Major League Baseball pitcher and author Chris Carpenter will release his children's book “The Long Shot” in July. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the book, which is based on Carpenter's experiences with the racehorse Benbang (Shanghai Bobby), will benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
“I am honored to collaborate with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and contribute to their vital work,” Carpenter said. “By supporting the foundation through the sales of 'The Long Shot,' we can make a tangible difference in the lives of retired racehorses, offering them a well-deserved sanctuary and a chance for a peaceful retirement.”
A debut winner for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners in Saratoga in 2021, Benbang went on to win last summer's Blue Sparkler S. at Monmouth Park.
“The Long Shot” follows Benbang's journey, from facing doubts and uncertainty to winning her debut race. Set against a backdrop of true events, the story is designed to encourage young readers to chase their dreams fearlessly, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.
Carpenter, who played for the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox, collaborated with Saratoga artist Dave Papa, who provided illustrations for the book.
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“The Clemson Tigers. I went to Clemson, and if you went to Clemson, it's a cult, and once you get indoctrinated, you can't get it out of your blood. I live, breathe, eat, sleep Clemson football. I went down there a basketball fan because I'm from Kentucky, but I came out a football fan.”
“University of Kentucky basketball, man. If you've gotta ask twice, don't ask me again.”
“I'm going to have to go with the James Madison University Dukes, which is my alma mater. They are a basketball school. We used to go to all their games when I was young and it was great fun.”
“I don't really follow sports. Horse racing is my sport.”
“I like the Chicago Cubs because they used to play in the daytime, so you'd come home from school and watch the last few innings. The minute I got my driver's license, I was driving up there, parking my car, and buying tickets. I learned how to scalp tickets a little bit, and just spent a lot of time in that area. When I went to college, it was the one team that was still on TV, so I could follow them. They've always been my favorite team, by far.”